Hāʻena State Park is a state park located on the north shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauaʻi. It is often referred to as the "end of the road" and marks the end point of the Kuhio Highway.[2] The park provides access to beaches, trails, and several ancient Hawaiian sites, including sea caves estimated to be more than 4,000 years old. Archaeological sites associated with the hula, including a heiau (shrine) dedicated to Laka, are located above the park's beaches.[3]

The small parking lot was not large enough to accommodate all the visitors, so an overflow parking lot was built. Though the beach has a relatively safe lagoon, very strong currents have been reported at the bay, especially in the winter. Amenities at the park include pay phones, picnic tables, restrooms and outdoor showers.[1]

Kēʻē Beach is located at the western edge of the park.[6] This beach is located west from "Tunnels Beach" (aka "Makua Beach" at Haena Point),[7] which refers to the large waves that are thought to be ideal for surfing.[8] Kēʻē Beach has a unique reef lagoon, which allows the water to be calm and attractive for snorkeling and swimming.[9] Beyond the reef, however, very strong currents, especially in the winter, have been reported. In Hawaiian, Kēʻē literally translates to "avoidance", referring to stories in Hawaiian mythology about the goddess Pele and Lohiʻau.[10]